Our reporter
The Edo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a scathing condemnation of recent actions by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration under Governor-Select Monday Okpebholo, citing incidents that it claims jeopardise the State’s democracy, governance, and peace.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, expressed grave concerns over what he described as a troubling descent into lawlessness and inefficiency by the new administration.
Dr. Aziegbemi highlighted a series of alleged infractions, including the violent invasion of the private residence of the immediate past governor, Godwin Obaseki, by individuals reportedly acting on the orders of the APC government. Security personnel at the residence were reportedly harassed and assaulted during the incident. The PDP demanded a full investigation and the prosecution of those involved, stating:
“This is most reprehensible and unacceptable. We urge relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate these barbaric attacks and ensure the perpetrators of these lawless acts are brought to book.”
The PDP also raised alarms about the alleged attack on its state secretariat in Benin City by APC loyalists, purportedly led by Kapuepue Adun, resulting in extensive damage to property and theft of valuable items, including election materials.
Dr. Aziegbemi criticised Governor-Select Okpebholo’s approach to governance, accusing him of flouting constitutional provisions by failing to resign from his seat in the Senate, alongside his deputy, Denis Idahosa, who also retains his position in the House of Representatives.
“This is a clear violation of the 1999 Constitution. They are denying their constituencies representation and making a mockery of their legislative duties. It is only right and constitutional that they should resign immediately.”
The PDP also questioned the procedural integrity of key projects initiated by the new administration, including an overhead bridge flagged off at Ramat Park in Benin City, which it described as a “white elephant project” devoid of standard procurement processes. Allegations of unaccounted expenditures, such as N2 billion spent on inauguration activities and N5 billion on vehicles, were also highlighted.
The PDP accused the APC government of dismissing civil and public servants en masse, describing it as a callous move that exacerbates the economic struggles of affected families.
Dr. Aziegbemi lamented that despite inheriting over N30 billion from the previous administration, the government has failed to meet basic obligations, such as paying November salaries, which were consistently paid on time during the PDP’s tenure.
The party criticised the APC administration’s approach to education, alleging disregard for the acclaimed EdoBEST programme and non-compliance with the SUBEB Act in the composition of the state education board.
“Okpebholo must stop undermining the legacy of the EdoBEST programme, which has been recognized as a transformative reform in basic education across Africa. Governance is about continuity and innovation, not destruction.”
The PDP called on citizens, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to closely monitor the APC-led government’s activities to prevent further deterioration of governance in the state.
“Edo people must rise to defend our democracy and ensure that this administration does not derail the progress we have achieved. The PDP remains committed to reclaiming the mandate given to us by the people of Edo State.”
The press conference concluded with a reiteration of the PDP’s resolve to challenge the legitimacy of the September 21 election outcome while maintaining pressure on the Okpebholo administration to adhere to constitutional and governance standards.
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